The Awesome, Fantastic New Year 2024 Rookie Trade Deadline Report

Happy New Year! Everything is heating up in the NBA and I wanted to start the year off strong. This article is going to be a complete breakdown of every rookie with their short and long-term fantasy benefits, a ranking, and how the trade deadline may impact that value based on possible trade scenarios.

That is not a catch-all. There are constantly unforeseen trades that shake up the basketball world and can open or immediately close a rookie’s path to points and playing time. Take Jordan Hawkins. With CJ McCollum and Trey Murphy III out with injuries, Hawkins saw an extremely high increase in minutes and production. It stands that watching the depth charts closely will benefit your fantasy outlook.

2024 Rookie Trade Deadline Report With Definitely No Changes

Let’s get started. From the top.

1. Victor Wembanyama (C/PF, San Antonio Spurs, 19)

• Season: 29.2 MPG, 19.3 PPG/10.1 RPG/2.8 APG/4.5 Stocks (Steals + Blocks) Per Game on 44.9 FG%/29.5 3P%/79.6 FT%.
• Last 10: 26.6 MPG, 20.4 PPG/9.2 RPG/3.4 APG/5.3 Stocks on 49%/39.6%/77.4%.
• Short Term: Top 50 in fantasy points production as a rookie. A good player to try and trade for as he will continue to improve in time. Trades will only help unless they get rid of talent.
• Long Term: See above. The shooting will come, he is relied on for taking tough shots as a rookie with the highest usage rating on this list and on the Spurs.

2. Chet Holmgren (C, Oklahoma City Thunder, 21)

• Season: 30.0 MPG, 17.8 PPG/7.3 RPG/2.7 APG/3.3 Stocks on 55.1%/40.9%/81.3%
• Last 10: 30.7 MPG, 20.0 PPG/5.7 RPG/3.5 APG/2.1 Stocks on 62.2%/48.9%/63.3%
• Short Term: Even with trades, Holmgren most likely will not suffer in usage or shot-making. If they added another shot-maker to the fold it may help him with continued efficiency and assists, which would be major for category league players.
• Long Term: A big man with good rebounding numbers and shot-making. Hard to come across at his defensive level too. I doubt that Dynasty Leagues would let you buy him so willingly unless it was for a top-20 player. Dynasty can be tough, but having a player like Holmgren is a great addition to any team.

3. Brandon Miller (SF/PF, Charlotte Hornets, 21)

• Season: 31.0 MPG, 14.3 PPG/3.9 RPG/2.2 APG/1.2 Stocks on 41.9%/36.8%/82.1%.
• Last 10: 29.0 MPG, 13.4 PPG/3.4 RPG/2.3 APG/1.0 Stocks on 46.8%/31.1%/83.3%
• Short Term: The Hornets have players to sell, and now that he’s fourth in usage it stands to improve on any sale of their contracts. There’s reason to buy in one-year leagues.
• Long Term: Miller is the second-best three-point shooter in the class. That will never go away, and won’t make a perfect player but certainly helps with efficiency in category leagues. Dynasty will be hard to pick him up but because his true long-term value has not been determined it may be a good time to sell.

4. Jaime Jaquez Jr. (SG/SF/PF, Miami Heat, 22)

• Season: 30.4 MPG, 13.7 PPG/3.8 RPG/2.7 APG/1.4 Stocks on 50.4%/35.4%/85.2%.
• Last 10: 36.6 MPG, 14.9 PPG/4.0 RPG/2.5 APG/2.0 Stocks on 48.3%/23.3%/83.3%.
• Short Term: The Heat believe in his abilities, you should too! They won’t trade him, but the usage may lower with the addition of another star. His shooting has been extremely up and down so category managers may be wary of his ability to be consistent.
• Long Term: They didn’t trade him for Damian Lillard so there’s that! He also has the most games played while being a good shooter for a rookie. The Miami Heat are great at one thing: development. Even if they were to trade for a star, Jaquez’ future is not in direct question, thus his fantasy production is not in question long term.

5. Scoot Henderson (PG/SG, Portland Trailblazers, 19)

• Season: 27.9 MPG, 12.3 PPG/2.9 RPG/5.0 APG/0.9 Stocks on 37.1%/30.8%/77.6%.
• Last 10: 14.0 PPG/3.4 RPG/6.2 APG/1.0 Stocks on 36.6%/42.1%(!)/78.8%
• Short Term: The Portland Trailblazers have a clogged primary guard room with Malcolm Brogdon and Anfernee Simons. Even so, Scoot has the third-highest usage on the team, which is a good indicator of value. His efficiency may never pick up this season, but his production should. Selling Malcolm Brogdon, Jerami Grant, and maybe even reworking Anfernee Simons elsewhere will pay major dividends for this young team.
• Long Term: As mentioned above, the Blazers are putting a lot of stock still in their first-round pick. If you had a chance to scoop him up during his downtime, then it will pay off in the long term for sure.

6. Dereck Lively II (C, Dallas Mavericks, 19)

• Season: 25.2 MPG, 8.7 PPG/7.6 RPG/1.3 APG/2.0 Stocks on 72.3%/54.8 FT%.
• Last 10: 25.3 MPG, 8.7 PPG/7.4 RPG/1.3 APG/1.8 Stocks on 70.2%/46.7%
• Short Term: Dereck Lively is the starter and will be the starter the rest of this year unless something crazy happens. Regardless he will be the starter if he’s with Dallas or not.
• Long Term: Lively II’s efficiency has been wildly consistent as a big man this year. He may sacrifice some efficiency for scoring at some point in his

7. Brandin Podziemski (SG/SF, Golden State Warriors, 20)

• Season: 23.8 MPG, 9.2 PPG/5.4 RPG/3.3 APG/1.2 Stocks on 46.3%/41.6%/61.8%.
• Last 10: 27.8 MPG, 10.5 PPG/6.2 RPG/4.5 APG/1.4 Stocks on 47.6%/42.2%/54.5%.
• Short Term: Consistency is king, He’s started 8 of his last 10, without starting a game before. The high marks in rebounds, assists, and stocks are huge for fantasy owners, so he would be a key addition to a good team if he’s available!
• Long Term: Scoop him up. Good shooter in the Warriors system, definitely a starting wing. He fits the breakdown of the preseason description: “Earlier returns on scoring, 3P%, rebounds from the guard position, not an assist booster, has steal potential.” The assists are a nice addition.

8. Keyonte George (PG, Utah Jazz, 20)

• Season: 25.1 MPG, 11.0 PPG/3.1 RPG/4.5 APG/0.5 Stocks on 37.1%/33.3%/79.3%.
• Last 10: 22.7 PNG, 12.4 PPG/2.6 RPG/3.1 APG/0.4 Stocks on 43.6%/39.3%/82.8%.
• Short Term: Too much variability in outcomes to be a stable producer on a lineup currently. Monitor the trade market, two of the three highest-usage players are most likely going to be traded in Jordan Clarkson and Lauri Markkanen.
• Long Term: Even if no one gets traded, George is fifth in usage and the future of the Point Guard position for them. Good pickup for the right trade!

9. Ausar Thompson (SG/SF/PF, Detroit Pistons, 20)

• Season: 24.3 MPG, 8.6 PPG/6.9 RPG/2.2 APG/1.8 Stocks on 45.3%/14.5%/68.1%.
• Last 10: 4.8 PPG/3.6 RPG/1.4 APG/1.2 Stocks on 42.9%/18.2%/66.7%.
• Short Term: Don’t bother unless he plays consistently over 24 minutes in 5+ games. His value all comes from long-term play.
• Long Term: Thompson is too good to be this bad. Buy when his stock is the lowest, which is most likely now, but understand that it is a fantasy stash player. If you are competing for a title, it may not be worth it right now, so sell in that respect.

10. Bilal Coulibaly (SG/SF, Washington Wizards, 19)

• Season: 26.6 MPG, 8.4 PPG/4.2 RPG/1.8 APG/1.7 Stocks on 48.4%/39.6%/63.3%
• Last 10: 25.8 MPG, 5.8 PPG/4.5 RPG/2.2 APG/1.5 Stocks on 37.9%/31.6%/61.5%.
• Short Term: Not the greatest short-term buy, once efficiency goes down, the scoring decreases but that’s anyone. The Wizards will most likely sell so opens some shots up! Stop here if you are in a short, non-category league.
• Long Term: He’s improved his free throw percentage and has sustained a high mark in both shooting efficiency numbers otherwise. Corner threes are really good, so there is a lot to think about. Buy low, if you can, but definitely buy.

11. Toumani Camara (SF/PF, Portland Trailblazers, 23)

• Season: 24.9 MPG, 7.1 PPG/4.9 RPG/0.9 APG/1.5 Stocks on 41.3%/30.3%/68.2%.
• Last 10: 23.5 MPG, 6.9 PPG/5.6 RPG/0.5 APG/1.4 Stocks on 43.1%/39.1%/62.5%.
• Short Term: This is not the year to buy Toumani Camara unless it’s a very deep league. If it is, then take a chance on him for post-deadline usage boosts.
• Long Term: Similar to above, Camara has been a good addition to the roster and has made an impact statistically. High variance this year, but still learning. Take a chance on him in a trade situation or stash pickup as a prospect.

12. Jordan Hawkins (PG/SG/SF, New Orleans Pelicans, 21)

• Season: 22.3 MPG, 10.3 PPG/2.8 RPG/1.4 APG/0.4 Stocks on 38.4%/35.9%/85.5%.
• Last 10: 11.6 MPG, 5.4 PPG/0.9 RPG/0.7 APG/0.3 Stocks on 36.5%/32.1%/77.8%.
• Short Term: Having lost minutes due to the return of McCollum Murphy makes sure he is not a pickup unless they get injured (which they often do). Definitely a daily league pickup when that happens.
• Long Term: Hawkins has proved himself as a shooter, at least. Long term, as a fantasy manager it can be relied on. Most likely won’t be anything but a 6th/7th man.

13. Anthony Black (PG/SG, Orlando Magic, 20)

• Season: 20.0 MPG, 5.1 PPG/2.5 RPG/1.7 APG/1.0 Stocks on 49.6%/35.4%/62.9%
• Last 10: 20.9 MPG, 5.0 PPG/2.5 RPG/1.8 APG/1.5 Stocks on 48.7%/46.2%/85.7%
• Short Term: Not a stat-accumulating player, but has consistent efficiency numbers. Maybe a potential trade chip to be given more responsibility on another team. Certainly wouldn’t be surprised.
• Long Term: See above, buy now to maximize possible value post-trade, but it is a gamble.

14. Marcus Sasser (PG/SG, Detroit Pistons, 23)

• Season: 15.4 MPG, 7.2 PPG/1.6 RPG/2.3 APG/0.8 Stocks on 48.0%/43.0%/87.0%.
• Last 10: 11.2 MPG, 5.9 PPG/1.0 RPG/1.3 APG/0.6 Stocks on 57.6%/58.8%/78.6%.
• Short Term: An impending Alec Burks trade would free up shots and minutes for a player like Sasser. It won’t be worth it until that point for deeper category leagues (15+ teams).
• Long Term: Sasser is not going to be a long-term starter. Although his efficiency is good, his ability to pass the rock may limit him to a 7th man. In deeper leagues, it may be worth a flyer but that’s all.

15. Trayce Jackson-Davis (PF/C, Golden State Warriors, 23)

• Season: 14.1 MPG, 6.4 PPG/4.3 RPG/1.0 APG/1.1 Stocks on 67.6%/62.2 FT%
• Last 10: 23.4 MPG, 10.9 PPG/7.9 RPG/1.7 APG/1.5 Stocks on 73.1%/61.1 FT%.
• Short Term: Only valuable as a mid-to-deep league daily pickup for now, but could work into a starting situation with injury. Efficiency numbers are good for category leagues.
• Long Term: Buy! The Warriors will either keep him or trade him, but regardless should see playing time increase.

16. Duop Reath (C, Portland Trailblazers, 27)

• Season: 16.5 MPG, 8.9 PPG/3.7 RPG/1.0 APG/1.0 stocks on 45.6%/37.2%/87.1%.
• Last 10: 18.3 MPG, 10.7 PPG/5.2 RPG/0.9 APG/1.1 stocks on 50.0%/42.4%/86.7%.
• Short Term: He’s nothing more than a backup big, but a backup big that proves valuable in deeper category leagues given his ability to shoot.
• Long Term: See above. At most 20 minutes per game, so extrapolate the current season stats in that regard. More or less playing time hasn’t factored in his ability to score at the same rate.

17. Cason Wallace (SG/PG, Oklahoma City Thunder, 20)

• Season: 21.7 MPG, 6.9 PPG/2.1 RPG/1.5 APG/1.2 Stocks on 52.2%/42.7%/84.2%
• Last 10: 21.5 MPG, 6.3 PPG/1.7 RPG/1.8 APG/1.5 Stocks on 40.7%/31.4%/100%
• Short Term: He’s started a handful of games and has crossed the double-digit threshold a few times. Not a starter on this team. Would have to be traded to an open usage team
• Long Term: Cason Wallace is a shooter, but it would be tough at 6’4″ to clear the starter hurdle. Only deeper leagues could use a high-efficiency player like this.

18. Craig Porter Jr. (PG, Cleveland Cavaliers, 23)

• Season: 15.9 MPG, 7.2 PPG/2.7 RPG/3.2 APG/1.2 Stocks on 50.3%/35.0%/65.8%
• Last 10: 18.3 MPG, 7.3 PPG/3.9 RPG/4.4 APG/1.4 Stocks on 47.0%/33.3%/58.3%
• Short Term: Not a highly efficient backup guard. Only meaningful pickup in 15+ team leagues.
• Long Term: Similar to above.

19. Amen Thompson (SG/SF/PF, Houston Rockets, 20)

• Season: 15.7 MPG, 5.4 PPG/3.5 RPG/1.8 APG/0.8 Stocks on 42.7%/17.4%/61.3%
• Last 10: only 16 games played.
• Short Term: Not getting starts or having much efficiency, like his brother, but getting fewer counting stats that matter too. Wait for a trade to a worse team.
• Long Term: Amen is getting playing time but has trouble with efficiently scoring like his brother. It is going to take some time to prove real fantasy value.

20. Nick Smith Jr. (SG/PG/SF, Charlotte Hornets, 19)

• Season: 13.7 MPG, 6.8 PPG/1.3 RPG/0.9 APG/0.6 Stocks on 46.3%/50.9%/100%
• Last 10: Only 19 games played.
• Short Term: Expect Rozier to get traded, which will open up more time to play. Good efficiency numbers so far as a 6’5″ guard. Better for deep-category leagues than anything else.
• Long Term: Similarly to above, if the Charlotte Hornets do some selling, which is expected, Terry Rozier will be on the market. His value right now would be very high for a team looking to make a playoff run with a good starting PG. Smith would get the benefit of added minutes.

21. Taylor Hendricks (PF/SF, Utah Jazz, 20)

• Season: 15.9 MPG, 5.3 PPG/2.5 RPG/0.5 APG/1.2 Stocks on 38.2%/31.3%/75%
• Last 10: Only played 11 games.
• Short Term: See below. Shot variance and development time are not reasons to gamble in a short-term league. All associated value is strictly longer-term. Stop here if you are in anything but a dynasty league.
• Long Term: The trade market will be heating up, and Markkanen has been highly sought after. John Collins’ performance has not been up to snuff. Almost all of the players on good contracts play at the 3 or 4 for Utah and free up some development time for Hendricks.

22. Julian Strawther (SG/SF/PF, Denver Nuggets, 21)

• Season: 13.9 MPG, 5.9 PPG/1.5 RPG/1.1 APG/0.7 Stocks on 38.4%/32.2%/69.6%
• Last 10: 14.3 MPG, 5.5 PPG/1.5 RPG/1.0 APG/0.6 Stocks on 37.9%/25%/60%
• Short Term: Currently injured. Not good enough to get traded but good enough to get minutes.
• Long Term: Having development time on a winning team for a 6’7″ wing is a sign of good potential.

23. Olivier-Maxence Prosper (SF/PF/C, Dallas Mavericks, 21)

• Season: 9.3 MPG, 3.1 PPG/2.3 RPG/0.8 APG/0.2 Stocks on  34.9%/25.8%/70.4%
• Last 10: 10.3 MPG, 3.3 PPG/3.2 RPG/1.1 APG/0.2 Stocks on 34.3%/25%/76.9%
• Short Term: Without the shooting, which was never available in college either, not a short-term option.
• Long Term: Could be a backup bruiser, but at least shows success in deep category leagues in rebounding.

24. Kobe Brown (PF/C, Los Angeles Clippers, 24)

• Season: 10.3 MPG, 2.3 PPG/1.5 RPG/0.6 APG/0.4 Stocks on 40%/30.6%/50%
• Last 10: Negligible stats.
• Short Term: Needs to be traded to a team with wing minutes like Detroit or Chicago to be of some deep league value.
• Long Term: Not a ton of good, but not a ton of bad either. Predominantly a power forward at his size.

25. Gradey Dick (SG/SF, Toronto Raptors, 20)

• Season: 12.4 MPG, 3.5 PPG/1.2 RPG/0.8 APG/0.3 Stocks on 29.4%/25%/100%
• Last 10: Only 19 games played.
• Short Term: Needs a commitment to losing to regain any short-term value deeper leagues placed on him (as I did) as an immediately helping shooter.
• Long Term: The same as above, but more people can be patient at this point. His value has downgraded drastically but a Pascal Siakim trade would bring back maybe too much value.

26. Andre Jackson Jr. (SG/SF/PG, Milwaukee Bucks, 22)

• Season: 10.3 MPG, 2.5 PPG/1.7 RPG/0.9 APG/0.4 Stocks on 51.7%/41.9%/85.7%
• Last 10: 9.8 MPG, 1.7 PPG/1.5 RPG/0.8 APG/0.5 Stocks on 31.3%/25%/100%
• Short Term: Six games started this season, plays a lot for a second-round pick. Not worth it for anyone but deep category leagues, which is a lot of the backend players. No trade will make a difference in that.
• Long Term: Slowly developing throughout the season will be good for Andre Jackson the role player. Great player to build and take a chance on for those deeper leagues.

27. Kris Murray (SF/PF/C, Portland Trailblazers, 23)

• Season: 11.2 MPG, 2.9 PPG/1.8 RPG/0.6 APG/0.9 Stocks on 37.5%/33.3%/60%.
• Last 10: only 19 games played.
• Short Term: Not worth it in the short term, the amount of minutes opening up will be negligible comparatively.
• Long Term: A Jerami Grant trade would open up some backup minutes, which would be a good development time going into next season.

Players with minimal games that are up for possible trades

1. Cam Whitmore
2. Jett Howard
3. Jarace Walker
4. Jalen Hood-Schifino
5. Ben Sheppard